Missing Girl Seen At Store

March 03, 1985

Police said Saturday that a 14-year-old Northwest Side girl reported missing Tuesday was seen Thursday evening at a 7-Eleven Food Store at 3635 W. Armitage Ave. Store employees and others who recognized Melinda Simmons of 2120 N. Springfield Ave. told police she was with a thin, balding man who appeared to be 35 to 40 years old. Police said witnesses saw the man buying Simmons soda and potato chips and playing video games with her. The teenager did not appear to be in any danger or distress, a police juvenile officer said. ``We are treating this as a runaway, but all runaways are considered missing persons. We are still looking for her diligently,`` the officer said. Police said Simmons may have run away because of problems in school.